Planet of the Apes is a 1968 science fiction film loosely based on the Planet of the Apes novel by Pierre Boulle. It stars Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, and veteran Shakespearean actor Maurice Evans. The movie was ground breaking for its make-up techniques by artist John Chambers, and the script was originally written by Rod Serling but had many rewrites before eventually being made. The movie was well received by critics and audiences, launching a film franchise that includes 4 sequels, a short-lived television show, an animated series, comic books, various merchandising, and eventually a remake in 2001.